MELBOURNE, Australia — It is a challenge to pick the sentimental favorite in the women’s singles final at the Australian Open.
A challenge because Caroline Wozniacki and Simona Halep have spent their tennis careers chasing the same maddeningly elusive prize: a Grand Slam singles title.
A challenge because of all the disappointment the public has seen etched on their faces, familiar by now after all the times they have had to pull themselves together and be gracious in defeat.
But one of them is finally guaranteed to come away fulfilled on Saturday night.
They have paid their dues and then some.